3D Image Contents Viewing System

ABSTRACT

3D television set or its external speaker box has container for a plurality of 3D spectacles. Container can locate individual 3D spectacles therein. Each of 3D spectacles has unique modulation reflector of infrared synchronizing signal. 3D television set displays 3D image on 3D program upon use of 3D spectacles detected directly by the modulation reflection or indirectly by 3D spectacles not remaining in container. 3D television set displays 2D image on 3D program if nonuse of 3D spectacles is detected directly by the no modulation reflection or indirectly by 3D spectacles remaining in container. Upon detection of nonuse, recommendation display is made to ware 3D spectacles. During 2D commercial message, synchronizing signal is halted. Recommendation to put unnecessary 3D spectacles in container is made upon end of every program, or end of 3D program followed by 2D program, or right before power off of 3D television set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to 3D (three-dimensional) image contents viewingsystem such as 3D television set.

2. Description of the Related Art

In this field of the art, various attempts have been done with respectto 3D image viewing.

For example, Japanese Publication No. 2009-296118 proposes a broadcastreceiving terminal device capable of receiving television broadcastdata, in which 3D image is displayed if current position of the user iswithin an adequate area to view the 3D image. The terminal device startsto record the 3D image if current position of the user goes outside theadequate area afterward. Further, the terminal device converts the 3Dimage into 2D image for display if current position of the user goesoutside the adequate area.

However, there still exist in this field of art many demands forimprovements of 3D image contents viewing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiment of this invention provides a 3D image contentsviewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles, in which coordinationamong the 3D image contents viewing system and the with 3D spectacles isimproved.

Preferred embodiment of this invention provides a 3D image contentsviewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles, in which a risk ofloss of 3D spectacles is reduced.

Preferred embodiment of this invention provides a 3D image contentsviewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles comprising an imagecontents providing unit capable of providing 3D image contents and 2Dimage contents, a display arranged to display image, an image outputunit arranged to transmit 3D image to the display on the basis of the 3Dimage contents and to transmit 2D image to the display on the basis ofthe 3D image contents, a detector arranged to detect use or nonuse ofthe 3D spectacles, and a controller responsive to the detector arrangedto have the image output unit transmit 3D image to the display on thebasis of the 3D image contents if the detector detect use of the 3Dspectacles, and to have the image output unit transmit 2D image to thedisplay on the basis of the 3D image contents if the detector detectnonuse of the 3D spectacles.

According to the above feature, such an inconvenience is avoided that auser can no more enjoy 3D program on air if 3D spectacles isunfortunately lost, for example, in the 3D image contents viewing systemin which 3D spectacles is integral to the system.

In a detailed design according to the above preferred embodiment, thedetector includes a wireless receiver arranged to receive from the 3Dspectacles information indicative of use or nonuse of 3D spectacles.Thus, the function of the controller to have the image output unittransmit 2D image on the basis of the 3D image contents is directlyachieved.

According to a more detailed design of the above preferred embodiment,the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises a transmitterarranged to transmit synchronizing signal to 3D spectacles for 3D imageviewing, wherein the receiver includes reflection receiver responsive toreflection of the synchronizing signal on 3D spectacles. Thus thewireless communication is advantageously achieved with the synchronizingsignal for 3D spectacles utilized.

According to a further detailed design of the above preferredembodiment, the receiver is arranged to identify each of the 3Dspectacles on the basis of the reflection of the synchronizing signal onindividual 3D spectacles. By means of this feature, it is possible toprepare a plurality of 3D spectacles of different sizes or lens powersfor personal use in a home or the like where 3D television set isshared.

According to another detailed design of the above preferred embodiment,the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises a container ofthe 3D spectacles, wherein the detector is arranged to detect use or nonuse of 3D spectacles on the basis of existence or nonexistence of the 3Dspectacles within the container. Thus, the function of the controller tohave the image output unit transmit 2D image on the basis of the 3Dimage contents is indirectly achieved.

In another detailed design according to the above preferred embodiment,the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises informing unitarranged to make recommendation to ware 3D spectacles in response to thedetector. Thus, the recommendation is suitably made depending onnecessity. In other word, it is possible to omit the bothersomerecommendation if 3D spectacles has already been in use. Therecommendation may be advantageously and typically made on the display.

Preferred embodiment of this invention provides another 3D imagecontents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles comprising animage contents providing unit capable of providing 3D image contents and2D image contents, the 2D image contents breaking in on 3D imagecontents. The 3D image contents viewing system further comprises adisplay arranged to display image, an image output unit arranged totransmit 3D image to the display on the basis of the 3D image contentsand to transmit 2D image to the display on the basis of the 2D imagecontents, a transmitter arranged to transmit synchronizing signal to 3Dspectacles for 3D image viewing, and a controller arranged to have thetransmitter basically transmit the synchronizing signal throughout 3Dimage contents on which 2D image brakes in, and to have the transmitterhalt the synchronizing signal transmission during 2D image istransmitted to the display. A typical example of the 3D image contentson which 2D image brakes in is a 3D program including 3D image contentsconstituting main body thereof and 2D commercial message breaking in onthe 3D main body.

Due to the halt of synchronizing signal generation, 3D spectacles haltsthe synchronizing operation to keep a still state during CM or the like,which is advantageous for eyes to be refreshed.

According to a detailed design of the above preferred embodiment, theimage output unit is arranged to superimpose information on the displayindicative of the halt of the synchronizing signal transmission. Due tothe superimposed information of in-2D display, the user may take 3Dspectacles off according to its own will during CM or the like forpositively refreshing its eyes.

Preferred embodiment of this invention provides still another 3D imagecontents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectacles comprising animage contents providing unit capable of providing 3D image contents, adisplay arranged to display image, an image output unit arranged totransmit 3D image to the display on the basis of the 3D image contents,and a container arranged to keep nonuse 3D spectacles. According to thisfeature, coordination among the 3D image contents viewing system and 3Dspectacles is improved in that a risk of loss of 3D spectacles isreduced by means a regularly used container.

According to a detailed design of the above preferred embodiment, thecontainer is arranged to check existence or nonexistence of the 3Dspectacles within the container. Thus, the risk of loss of 3D spectaclesis advantageously reduced.

According to more detailed design of the above preferred embodiment, thecontainer is arranged to identify each of the 3D spectacles within thecontainer. By means of this feature, it is possible to prepare aplurality of 3D spectacles of different sizes or lens powers forpersonal use in a home or the like where 3D television set is shared.

According to another detailed design of the above preferred embodiment,the 3D image contents viewing system further comprises informing unitarranged to make recommendation to put unnecessary 3D spectacles in thecontainer. Thus, the risk of loss of 3D spectacles is advantageouslyreduced.

For example, the informing unit is arranged to make recommendation everytime when an image contents ends. Or, the informing unit is arranged tomake recommendation in response to the end of the 3D image contents. Inthis case, the informing unit may be arranged to skip the recommendationif the next image contents is of 3D. According to still another exampleof detailed design, the informing unit is arranged to makerecommendation prior to power off of the 3D image contents viewingsystem. The recommendation may be advantageously and typically made onthe display.

Other features, elements, arrangements, steps, characteristics andadvantages according to this invention will be readily understood fromthe detailed description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

The above description should not be deemed to limit the scope of thisinvention, which should be properly determined on the basis of theattached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a 3D digital moving image contentsviewing system including digital 3D television set and 3D spectacles.

FIG. 2 is a basic flowchart showing the function carried out by TV setcontroller of the embodiment in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the spectaclesregistration process in step S8 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the 3Dpreparation process in step S12 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the 3D displayprocess in step S20 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the programclosing process in step S26 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the power OFFprocess in step S34 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a three-dimensional (hereinafterreferred to as “3D) digital moving image contents viewing systemincluding digital 3D television (hereinafter referred to as “TV”) set 2and 3D spectacles 4. 3D digital moving image contents include images forthe right eye and the left eye which are alternately displayed on screen6 according to a time-sharing system. The images for the right eye andthe left eye of 3D digital moving image contents displayed on screen 6are separately viewed by right and left eyes through 3D spectacles 4with right eye shutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 synchronously andalternately made transmissible.

Tuner 12 of 3D TV set 2 receives digital broadcast program, which is atypical example of digital moving image contents, through an antenna orc cable to output from audio-visual (hereinafter referred to as “AV”)output 14 the audio signal and visual signal of the program to speaker16 and screen 6, respectively. AV output 14 further outputs audio signalto external speaker 18 for enhancing the acoustic field. Digitalrecorder 20 is designed to record the digital broadcast program receivedby tuner 12, and to reproduce the recorded program, which is in turnoutputted from AV output 14 to speaker 16 and screen 6. AV output 14 iscapable of converting 3D digital moving image contents from tuner 12 ordigital recorder 20 into 2D (two-dimensional) digital moving imagecontents for display on screen 6 by means of restricting one of theimage for the right eye and that for the left eye. If the images arerestricted for right eye, for example, digital moving image contents areproduced with the display timing for left eye interpolated by the imagefor right eye.

The above mentioned functions of tuner 12, AV output 14 and digitalrecorder 20 are controlled by TV set controller 22 including amicrocomputer. Memory 24 stores program necessary for TV set controller22 to carry out the functions as well as various temporal data necessaryfor the functions. Synchronizing signal generator 26 generates andtransmits synchronizing infrared signal 30 for controlling right eyeshutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 to alternately change betweentransmitting sate and shielding state in synchronism with thealternating of images for the right eye and the left eye on screen 6.Receiver 32 receives synchronizing infrared signal 30 to have spectaclescontroller 34 control the change in right eye shutter 8 and left eyeshutter 10 between transmitting sate and shielding state. Right eyeshutter 8 and left eye shutter 10 are both kept in the transmitting sateif receiver 32 does not receive synchronizing infrared signal 30.

3D TV set 2 is provided with spectacles container 36 for receiving 3Dspectacles 4 is not in use. Spectacles container 36 is capable ofcontaining a plurality of registered spectacled, in which each 3Dspectacles 4 is identified to discriminate whether or not it iscontained within spectacles container 36 by means of a mechanicalcontact between 3D spectacles 4 and a holder inside spectacles container36, respectively, the information of presence or absence of each ofspectacles 4 within spectacle container 36 being reported to TV setcontroller 22. External speaker 18 is also provided with similarspectacles container 38 in communication with TV set controller. Thus,TV set controller is always informed of presence or absence of each ofspectacles 4 with the location, i.e. in spectacle container 36 in 3Dtelevision set or in spectacle container 38 in external speaker 18,identified. Further, TV set controller 22 can check whether or not each3D spectacles 4 is gotten back into spectacle container 36 or spectaclecontainer 38 after the end of a 3D digital moving image contents, whichis advantageous to prevent loss of 3D spectacles 4.

Each of a plurality of 3D spectacles has modulation reflector 40 ofunique optical characteristic which differs from the others. Forexample, modulation reflector 40 has a mark of unique pattern to reflectsynchronizing infrared signal 42 generated by synchronizing signalgenerator 26. Modulation receiver 46 receives synchronizing infraredsignal 44 reflected and modulated by modulation reflector 40 to extractthe pattern information included in synchronizing infrared signal 44 foridentifying each of 3D spectacles 4, respectively. In other words, itcan be detected whether or not any and what 3D spectacles 4 is actuallyin use facing 3D TV set 2. Thus, 3D images are displayed on screen 6 onthe basis of 3D digital moving image contents if it is detected that atleast one 3D spectacles 4, which has been gotten out of spectaclescontainer 36 or 38, is actually facing to 3D TV set. On the other hand,if modulation receiver 46 does not receive any modulated synchronizinginfrared signal 44, even a 3D digital moving image contents is convertedinto 2D digital moving image contents for display on screen 6.

Each of a plurality of 3D spectacles also has mechanical identification48 to discriminate whether or not the 3D spectacles is contained withinspectacles container 36 or 38 by means of a mechanical contact betweenmechanical identification 48 and the holder inside spectacles container36, respectively, the 3D spectacles being also identified if thepresence thereof is discriminated. The same identification number or thelike is commonly given to modulation reflector 40 and mechanicalidentification 48 as to the same 3D spectacles. By means of the abovedescribed identification of each 3D spectacles, it is possible toprepare a plurality of 3D spectacles of different sizes or lens powersfor personal use in a home or the like where 3D television set 2 isshared.

FIG. 2 is a basic flowchart showing the function carried out by TV setcontroller 22 of the embodiment in FIG. 1. If the flow starts inresponse to the power ON operation of 3DTV set 2, step S2 comes first tocarry out the initial start-up process of 3D TV set 2. In the initialstart-up process in step S2, various functions in various portions of 3DTV set 2 are checked and the condition of 3D TV set including channelselection and sound volume setting upon the previous power OFF arerestaged. Next in step S4, a program at the previously selected channelis started with the previous volume, the flow then going to step S6.

In step S6, it is checked whether or not an operation for registering anew 3D spectacles 4 is made. If a new 3D spectacles 4 registeringoperation is detected in step S6, the flow goes to step S8 for carryingout spectacles registration process to go to step S10. On the otherhand, if no new 3D spectacles 4 registering operation is detected instep S6, the flow directly goes to step S10. The spectacles registrationprocess in step S8 is for newly registering specific 3D spectacles 4 foridentification thereof in administration of storage of 3D spectacles 4in spectacles container 36 or 38 and detection of actual usage of 3Dspectacles 4 by means of modulation receiver 46. The details of thespectacles registration process will be described later.

In step S10, it is checked whether or not 3D program is on air at theselected channel. In the case of 3D program, the flow goes to step S12to carry out 3D preparation process, in which preparation of 3Dspectacles 4 necessary for enjoying 3D program is confirmed, the processincluding initiation of synchronizing signal generation. The details ofthe 3D preparation process will be described later. Next in step S14, itis checked whether or not any of registered 3D spectacles 4 is put incontainer 36 or 38. If any, the flow goes to step S16 to display thenumber of the registered 3D spectacles contained within spectaclescontainer 36 and 38, respectively, the flow then going to step S18. Thedisplay made in step S16 facilitates uses taking out 3D spectacles fromspectacles container 36 or 38 when necessary induding an increase of thenumber of members to enjoy 3D program. On the other hand, if it is notdetected in step S14 that any registered 3D spectacles 4 is put incontainer 36 or 38, the flow directly goes to step S18.

In step S18, it is checked whether or not any modulated reflection formmodulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles is received bymodulation receiver 46 in response to the generation of synchronizingsignal initiated in step S12. If it is determined in step S18 thatmodulated reflection form registered 3D spectacles is received, the flowgoes to step S20 to carry out 3D display process, the flow then going tostep S22. On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S18 thatany modulated reflection form registered 3D spectacles is received, theflow goes to step S24 to set 2D display in spite of 3D program on air,the flow then going to step S22. By the way, if it is determined in stepS10 that 3D program is not on air at the selected channel, the flow alsogoes to step S24 to set 2D display, the flow then going to step S22. The3D display process in step S20 relates to realization of 3D displayincluding 3D display setting, the details of which will be describedlater.

In step S22, it is checked whether or not the program ended. If the endof program is detected in step S22, the flow goes to step S26 to carryour program closing process, the flow then going to step S28. On theother hand, if the end of program is not detected in step S22, the flowdirectly goes to step S28. The program closing process in step S26includes recommendation to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container36 or 38 for avoiding loss thereof, the details of which will bedescribed later.

In step S28, it is checked whether or not channel selection is changed.If not, the flow goes to step S30 to check whether or not any operationis done for reproducing recorded program. On the other hand, if it isdetermined in step S28 that channel selection is changed, the flow goesback to step S10 to repeat the loop of steps S10 to S28 in response toevery channel change detected in step S28 for coping with the transitionbetween the 3D and 2D programs on air and the change between use andnonuse of 3D spectacles. In step S30, it is checked whether or not anyoperation is made for reproducing a recorded program. In the case of therecorded program reproducing operation detected in step S30, the flowgoes back to step S10 to also repeat the loop of steps S10 to S28 inresponse to every reproducing operation detected in step S30 for copingwith the transition between the reproduced 3D and 2D programs and thechange between use and nonuse of 3D spectacles.

On the other hand, if no operation for reproducing recorded program isdetected in step S30, the flow goes to step S32 to check whether or notpower OFF operation of 3DTV set 2 is made. If not, the flow goes back tostep S6 to repeat the loop of steps S6 to S32 unless power OFF operationis detected. During the repetition of the loop of steps S6 to S32, thedisplay of programs continues to cope with registration of new 3Dspectacles 4, the channel change for selecting programs on air and therecorded program reproducing operation as well as the taking-out of 3Dspectacles 4 from spectacles container 36 or 38 and the start of usethereof. Further, it should be noted that the transition between 3Ddisplay and 2D display on 3D program is automatically carried out inresponse to use or nonuse of 3D spectacles which is detected through thereceipt of modulated reflection from registered 3D spectacles 4 checkedevery time when the flow comes to step S18 during the repetition of theloop of steps S6 to S32. According to the function above, the user canremove 3D spectacles 4 any time when he or she feels tired. And, he orshe can returns to the condition of enjoying 3D display any time bymeans of simply putting 3D spectacles 4 on. However, it should also benoted that the flow goes from step S18 to step S20 if any one of themembers who are commonly watching 3D TV set 2 wares 3D spectacles.Therefore, universal agreement by all members watching 3D TV set 2 totake 3D spectacles off is necessary for the flow to go from step S18 tostep S24.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that power OFFoperation of 3DTV set 2 is made, the flow goes to step S34 to carry outpower OFF process. The power OFF process in step S34 includesrecommendation to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38for avoiding loss thereof, the details of which will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the spectaclesregistration process in step S8 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, thegeneration of synchronizing signal from synchronizing signal generator26 in FIG. 1 is initiated in step S42 for the purpose of registering 3Dspectacles 4. Next in step S44, it is checked whether or not modulatedreflection on modulation reflector 40 of 3D spectacles 4 is received bymodulation receiver 46. In this case, all of new 3D spectacles 4 are tobe prepared in front of 3D TV set 2 prior to spectacles registrationoperation. And, modulated reflection from each of 3D spectacles 4 can bereceived.

If modulated reflection is detected in step S44, the flow goes to stepS46 to select one modulated reflection which is unique to each 3Dspectacles 4. The selected modulated reflection is individuallyregistered in the next step S48, the flow then going to step S50. Instep S50, it is checked whether or not any modulation reflection leftunregistered. If any, the flow goes back to step S46 to select nextmodulated reflection. Thus, the loop of steps S46 to S50 is repeatedtill no modulated reflection is left unregistered to thereby registerall the modulated reflections each unique to each of new 3D spectacles 4prepared in front of 3D TV set 2.

If it is determined in step S50 that no modulation reflection leftunregistered, the flow goes to step S52 to terminate the generation ofsynchronizing signal for registration. By the way, if it is notdetermined in step S44 that modulated reflection is received bymodulation receiver 46, the flow directly goes to step S52. This casenormally occurs when spectacles registering operation is made for thepurpose of container registration explained in the followingdescription.

In step S54, it is checked whether or not the spectacles registeringoperation causing the flow of FIG. 3 is an operation made for thepurpose of container registration. If it is determined in step S54 thatthe operation is for container registration, the flow goes to step S56to check whether or not any 3D spectacles is contained in spectaclescontainer 36 or 38. If any, the flow advances to step S58 to select oneof 3D spectacles 4 contained, the flow then going to step S60. In stepS60, it is checked whether or not the modulated reflection form selected3D spectacles 4 has been registered. As has been mentioned above, thesame identification number is commonly given to modulation reflector 40and mechanical identification 48 of the same 3D spectacles, which makesit possible to check whether or not the modulated reflection of 3Dspectacles 4 has been registered by means of detecting the commonidentification number through detection of mechanical identification 48within spectacles container 36 or 38.

If it is determined in step S60 that the modulated reflection formselected 3D spectacles 4 has been registered, the flow goes to step S62to individually register the location of 3D spectacles within spectaclescontainer 36 or 38, the flow then going to step S64. In step S64, it ischecked whether or not any 3D spectacles 4 is left with its locationwithin spectacles container 36 or 38 unregistered. If any, the flow goesback to step S58 to select next one of 3D spectacles 4. On the otherhand, if it is not determined in step S60 that the modulated reflectionof selected 3D spectacles 4 has been registered, the flow goes to stepS66 to indicate that the modulated reflection of selected 3D spectacles4 has not been registered, and remove the selected 3D spectacles 4 fromfurther selection, the flow then going back to step S58. Thus, 3Dspectacles with its modulation reflection unregistered is neitherregistered as to its location within spectacles container 36 or 38.

According to the manner above, the loop of steps S58 to S68 is repeatedtill no 3D spectacles 4 is left with its location within spectaclescontainer 36 or 38 unregistered. Thus, all 3D spectacles in spectaclescontainer 36 and 38 with its modulation reflection registered are eachregistered as to its location in spectacles container 36 or 38. By meansof such registration, the location of each 3D spectacles withinspectacles container 36 or 38 is clear, which facilitates users easilytaking out their own personal 3D spectacles 4 from spectacles container36 or 38, respectively. On the other hand, if it is determined in stepS64 that all 3D spectacles 4 with their modulation reflectionsregistered are also registered as to their location within spectaclescontainer 36 or 38, the flow goes to step S70. By the way, if it is notdetermined in step S54 that spectacles registering operation causing theflow of FIG. 3 is an operation made for the purpose of containerregistration, the flow directly goes to step S70. Further, if it is notdetermined in step S56 that any 3D spectacles is contained in spectaclescontainer 36 or 38, the flow also goes to step S70 directly.

In step S70, the number of 3D spectacles with their modulatedreflections registered is counted, the new ones registered in step S48being included in the count. Further in step S72, the number of 3Dspectacles with their location within spectacles container 36 or 38registered is counted, the new ones registered in step S62 beingincluded in the count. The flow then goes to the end. It should be notedthat the number counted in step S72 cannot be greater than the numbercounted in step S70 since 3D spectacles with its modulation reflectionunregistered is neither registered as to its location within spectaclescontainer 36 or 38 by means of the function of steps S60, S66 and S68.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the 3Dpreparation process in step S12 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, thegeneration of synchronizing signal from synchronizing signal generator26 in FIG. 1 is initiated in step S82 for the purpose of enjoying 3Dprogram. Next in step S84, it is checked whether or not modulatedreflection on modulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles 4 isreceived by modulation receiver 46. If not, the flow goes to step S86 tostep S24 to set 2D display in spite of 3D program on air, the flow thengoing to step S88. In step S88, it is checked whether or not informationskip mode, which is to be specially and optionally set, is set. If it isdetermined in step S88 that no skip mode is set to thereby keep normalmode in which recommendation is to be made, the flow goes to step S90 tomake recommendation display on screen 6 to ware 3D spectacles 4.Further, recommendation announce from speaker 16 to ware 3D spectacles 4is made in step S92, the flow then going to step S94. On the other hand,if it is determined in step S88 that information skip mode is set, theflow directly goes to step S94.

Further, if it is determined in step S84 that modulated reflection onmodulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles 4 is received bymodulation receiver 46, the flow directly goes to step S94. This casecorresponds to a condition that the flow has come into the repetition ofsteps 6 to 32 in FIG. 2 to continue enjoying 3D program in 3D display.In step S90 in FIG. 4, 3D spectacles 4 actually exist within spectaclescontainer 36 inside 3D TV set 2 are determined. Similarly, in succeedingstep S96, 3D spectacles 4 actually exist within spectacles container 38in external speaker 18, which is outside 3D TV set 2, are determined.The flow of FIG. 4 goes to the end.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the 3D displayprocess in step S20 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, it is checked whetheror not information skip mode is set. If not, the flow goes to step S104to inform on screen 6 that 3D display is now being carried out. Further,in succeeding step S106, it is informed on screen 6 that all 3Dspectacles 4 now in use are registered and adequate for the currentlyenjoyed 3D digital moving image contents viewing system, the flow thengoing to step 108. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102that information skip mode is set, the flow directly goes to step S108to start 3D display of the 3D program.

Next in step S110 it is checked whether or not display of a commercialmessage (hereinafter referred to as “CM”) is started. If the CM start isdetected, the flow goes to step S112 to check whether or not the CM isproduced in 3D system. If not, the flow goes to step S114 to halt thegeneration of synchronizing signal and further to step S116 to inform onscreen 6 that 2D display is now being carried out, the flow then goingto step S118. In step S118, it is checked whether or not the CM ends. Ifnot, the flow goes back to step S114 to repeat the loop of steps S114 tokeep the halt of synchronizing signal generation and the informationdisplay there of as long as CM continues. Due to the halt ofsynchronizing signal generation, right eye shutter 8 and left eyeshutter 10 halt the alternate change between transmitting and shieldingstates to both keep the transmitting sate during CM, which isadvantageous for eyes to be refreshed. Further, due to the informationof in-2D display, the user can take 3D spectacles 4 off according to itsown will during CM for positively refreshing its eyes.

On the other hand, if the end of CM is determined in step S118, the flowgoes to step S120 to start again synchronizing signal generation. And,it is checked in the succeeding step S122 whether or not modulatedreflection on modulation reflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles 4 isreceived. If the modulated reflection is detected, the flow goes fromstep S122 to step S124 to check whether or not information skip mode isset. If not, the flow goes to step S126 to inform on screen 6 that 3Ddisplay is now being carried out with 3D display comes back in stepS128, the flow then going to the end. On the other hand, if it isdetermined in step S124 that information skip mode is set, the flowdirectly goes to step S128.

On the other hand if the receipt of modulated reflection on modulationreflector 40 of registered 3D spectacles 4 is not detected in step S122,the flow goes to step S130 to continue 2D display in spite of the 3Dprogram comes back. Such a case may be caused when the user forgets toware again 3D spectacles 4 which has been taken off during CM. Or, thecase may be caused when the user continues to take 3D spectacles 4 offaccording to its own will after the end of CM. Even in the case of 2Ddisplay continued through step S130, step S108 will come to start 3Ddisplay in accordance with the repetition of the flow in FIG. 2 if 3Dspectacles 4 will be put on any time to cause the detection of modulatedreflection in step S18. On the other hand, if it the start of CM is notdetected in step S110, the flow directly goes to the end. Further if itis determined in step S 112 that the CM is produced in 3D system, theflow also goes to the end directly. In those cases, the 3D display iscontinued trough the 3D program or 3D CM.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the programclosing process in step S26 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, it is checkedin step S132 whether or not the next broadcast program in the samechannel is of 3D. If not, the flow goes to step S134 to check whether ornot the ended former program detected step S22 in FIG. 2 is of 3D. Inthe case 3D program ended, the flow goes from step S134 to step S136 tomake recommendation display on screen 6 to put 3D spectacles 4 inspectacles container 36 or 38. Further, recommendation announce fromspeaker 16 to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38 ismade in step S138, the flow then going to step S140. The flow from stepS132 to step S136 by way of step S134 corresponds to a case that 3Dprogram necessitating 3D spectacles 4 is followed by 2D program in whichunnecessary 3D spectacles 4 is apt to be left lying about. Steps S136and S138 are for avoiding loss of 3D spectacles 4 left as it is afterusing it. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that thenext broadcast program in the same channel is of 3D, the flow directlygoes to step S140 since 3D spectacles 4 is still necessary. Further, ifit is not determined in step S134 that the ended former program is of3D, the flow directly goes to step S140 since it is not the case of 3Dspectacles 4 formerly in use.

In step S140, it is checked whether or not any 3D spectacles 4 is leftlying about in accordance with the information from spectacles container36 or 38. If any, the flow goes to step S142 to make warning display of3D spectacles 4 left outside spectacles container 36 or 38, the flowthen going to the end. On the other hand, if no 3D spectacles 4 isdetected to be left lying about in step S140, the flow directly goes tothe end. The function of steps S140 and S142 is to be carried outregardless of whether the ended former program is of 3D or 2D. In otherwords, 3D spectacles 4 which is left lying about, if any, is warned instep S142 every time when one broadcast program is over to reduce therisk of loss of 3D spectacles 4.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed function of the power OFFprocess in step S34 in FIG. 2. If the flow starts, it is checked in stepS152 whether or not any 3D spectacles 4 is left lying about inaccordance with the information from spectacles container 36 or 38. Ifany, the flow goes to step S154 to make recommendation announce fromspeaker 16 to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38.Further, recommendation display on screen 6 is made in step S156 to put3D spectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38, the flow then going tostep S158.

In step S158, it is checked whether or not a predetermined time haspassed counted from the detection of power OFF operation in step S32. Ifnot, the flow goes back to step S152 to repeat the loop of steps S152 toS158 to continue the recommending announce and display to put 3Dspectacles 4 in spectacles container 36 or 38 until it is detected instep S158 that the predetermined time has passed. On the other hand, ifthe predetermined time has passed, the flow goes from step S158 to stepS160 to terminate the recommending announce to put 3D spectacles 4 inspectacles container 36 or 38. Further in the succeeding step S162 toterminate the recommending display to put 3D spectacles 4 in spectaclescontainer 36 or 38, the flow then going to step S164. On the other hand,if it is determined in step S152 that no 3D spectacles 4 is left lyingabout, the flow directly goes to step S164. In step S164, the power OFFis carried out, the flow then going to the end.

3D spectacles 4 is so integral to the 3D digital moving image contentsviewing system that the user can no more enjoy the 3D program on air if3D spectacles 4 is unfortunately lost. The various features of theembodiment explained above are advantageous for reducing the risk of theloss of 3D spectacles 4 from various stand points, which provide useful3D digital moving image contents viewing system with 3D TV set 2 and 3Dspectacles 4 firmly unified.

The various features and advantages according to this invention are notlimited to the disclosed embodiment above, but they are widelyapplicable to various other embodiments which are possible to enjoy oneor more of the advantages of this invention. For example, such amodification is possible that modulation reflector 40 is omitted tosimplify the structure of 3D spectacles 4, in which 3D TV set by itselfis incapable of getting information of 3D spectacles in use by wirelessmeans. In such a modification, nonuse of 3D spectacles 4 is indirectlyconcluded by the existence thereof within spectacles container 36 or 38,which can be easily detected by a simple mechanical engagement between3D spectacles 4 and an inside structure of spectacles container 36 or38. In this case, step S18 in FIG. 2, step S84 in FIG. 4 and step S122in FIG. 6 each relating to the check, “Registered modulated Reflectionreceived? are each replaced by a check, “All registered 3D spectaclesexist within container? ” According to the substitution in the abovesteps, 2D display is to be forced in spite of 3D program on air orreproduced since anyone never wares 3D spectacles if all registered 3Dspectacles 4 exist within spectacles container 36 or 38.

1. A 3D image contents viewing system in cooperation with 3D spectaclescomprising: an image contents providing unit capable of providing 3Dimage contents and 2D image contents; a display arranged to displayimage; an image output unit arranged to transmit 3D image to the displayon the basis of the 3D image contents and to transmit 2D image to thedisplay on the basis of the 3D image contents; a detector arranged todetect use or nonuse of the 3D spectacles; and a controller responsiveto the detector arranged to have the image output unit transmit 3D imageto the display on the basis of the 3D image contents if the detectordetects use of the 3D spectacles, and to have the image output unittransmit 2D image to the display on the basis of the 3D image contentsif the detector detects nonuse of the 3D spectacles.
 2. The 3D imagecontents viewing system according to claim 1 wherein the detectorincludes a wireless receiver arranged to receive from the 3D spectaclesinformation indicative of use or nonuse of 3D spectacles.
 3. The 3Dimage contents viewing system according to claim 2 further comprising atransmitter arranged to transmit synchronizing signal to 3D spectaclesfor 3D image viewing, wherein the receiver includes reflection receiverresponsive to reflection of the synchronizing signal on 3D spectacles.4. The 3D image contents viewing system according to claim 3, whereinthe receiver is arranged to identify each of the 3D spectacles on thebasis of the reflection of the synchronizing signal on individual 3Dspectacles.
 5. The 3D image contents viewing system according to claim 1further comprises a container of the 3D spectacles, wherein the detectoris arranged to detect use or non use of 3D spectacles on the basis ofexistence or nonexistence of the 3D spectacles within the container. 6.The 3D image contents viewing system according to claim 1, wherein the2D image contents breaks in on 3D image contents, the 3D image contentsviewing system further comprising a transmitter arranged to transmitsynchronizing signal to 3D spectacles for 3D image viewing, and acontroller arranged to have the transmitter basically transmit thesynchronizing signal throughout 3D image contents on which 2D imagebrakes in, and to have the transmitter halt the synchronizing signaltransmission during 2D image is transmitted to the display.
 7. The 3Dimage contents viewing system according to claim 1 further comprisinginforming unit arranged to make recommendation to ware 3D spectacles inresponse to the detector.
 8. The 3D image contents viewing systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the informing unit is arranged to make therecommendation on the display.
 9. A 3D image contents viewing system incooperation with 3D spectacles comprising: an image contents providingunit capable of providing 3D image contents and 2D image contents, the2D image contents breaking in on 3D image contents; a display arrangedto display image; an image output unit arranged to transmit 3D image tothe display on the basis of the 3D image contents and to transmit 2Dimage to the display on the basis of the 2D image contents; atransmitter arranged to transmit synchronizing signal to 3D spectaclesfor 3D image viewing; and a controller arranged to have the transmitterbasically transmit the synchronizing signal throughout 3D image contentson which 2D image brakes in, and to have the transmitter halt thesynchronizing signal transmission during 2D image is transmitted to thedisplay.
 10. The 3D image contents viewing system according to claim 9,wherein the 3D image contents constitutes main body of the 3D programand the 2D image contents is a commercial message breaking in on themain body of the 3D program.
 11. The 3D image contents viewing systemaccording to claim 9 wherein the image output unit is arranged tosuperimpose information on the display indicative of the halt of thesynchronizing signal transmission.
 12. A 3D image contents viewingsystem in cooperation with 3D spectacles comprising: an image contentsproviding unit capable of providing 3D image contents; a displayarranged to display image; an image output unit arranged to transmit 3Dimage to the display on the basis of the 3D image contents; and acontainer arranged to keep nonuse 3D spectacles.
 13. The 3D imagecontents viewing system according to claim 12, wherein the container isarranged to check existence or nonexistence of the 3D spectacles withinthe container.
 14. The 3D image contents viewing system according toclaim 13, wherein the container is arranged to identify each of the 3Dspectacles within the container.
 15. The 3D image contents viewingsystem according to claim 12, further comprising informing unit arrangedto make recommendation to put unnecessary 3D spectacles in thecontainer.
 16. The 3D image contents viewing system according to claim15, wherein the informing unit is arranged to make recommendation everytime when an image contents ends.
 17. The 3D image contents viewingsystem according to claim 15, wherein the informing unit is arranged tomake recommendation in response to the end of the 3D image contents. 18.The 3D image contents viewing system according to claim 17, wherein theinforming unit is arranged to skip the recommendation if the next imagecontents is of 3D.
 19. The 3D image contents viewing system according toclaim 15, wherein the informing unit is arranged to make recommendationprior to power off of the 3D image contents viewing system.
 20. The 3Dimage contents viewing system according to claim 15, wherein theinforming unit is arranged to make the recommendation on the display.